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Wood Rot in Your Crawl Space: Causes, Types, Signs, and Solutions

wood rot

Wood rot is a phenomenon that affects many homeowners. Left unchecked, it can weaken wooden structures and lead to structural collapse. Let’s take a closer look at wood rot, the various types of wood rot, and how to protect your wood. 

Wood rot or decay is a natural process through which wood decomposes. It is a nightmare for homeowners because it leads to many structural problems, such as deteriorated roof decking, destroyed support beams and posts, and unstable ceiling joists and floor panels. 

Wood repair is a costly undertaking. That’s why, as a homeowner, you need to know the signs of wood rot so you can take appropriate measures to protect your vulnerable wooden structures and supports. 

Causes of Wood Rot 

Wood can rot for several reasons. The most common causes of wood rot include: 

wet crawl space
  • Exposure to Moisture: Any time wood comes into contact with water or water vapor, it will start decomposing.
  • Lawn Sprinklers or Drain Pipes: If you place your sprinklers or drain pipes such that the water they discharge reaches the wooden parts of your structure, rotting will take place.
  • Plants Growing Next to Your Building: Plants hold moisture that they can transmit to your building.
  • Poor Ventilation: This prevents water from evaporating fast enough from wood surfaces.

Poor drainage and plumbing, water under your home, and a leaky roof are other factors that can instigate wood rot. In short, anything that allows water to contact wood will cause it to rot. 

Types of Wood Rot 

There are three types of wood rot. Let’s look at each of them so you can know what to expect. 

rotting wood in a crawl space

1. Brown Rot 

Brown rot occurs when monilinia (M. fructicola and M. laxa) fungi attack wood and break down its cellulose, making its surface parched or dry. Once the fungi destroy the cellulose, the wood will shrink and turn brown. Eventually, it will disintegrate. Brown rot can spread from one part of timber to the next as the fungi grow and will thrive at temperatures from 65-90°F.  

2. White Rot 

Anytime fungi attack lignin and break it down, the wood becomes spongy. The deteriorating wood usually has a light yellow or whitish shade. The white-rot-causing fungi thrive at temperatures of from 65-90°F.  

3. Soft Rot 

Similar to brown fungi, the soft rot fungi attacks and breaks down wood cell-wall carbohydrates (cellulose), leaving the timber looking like a honeycomb. It’s common in fallen trees and logs. But it can also occur in residential homes if the conditions are conducive. These fungi survive at temperatures between 0 and 110°F. 

Typical Signs of Wood Rot 

As you move around your home, you should always keep an eye out for the following signs: 

If you notice any of the above signs, call your local crawl space repair contractor to check your crawl space and advise you on the next step.  

Ways to Prevent Wood Rot 

finished crawl space that is encapsulated

Preventing wood rot involves several effective strategies, with encapsulation being the most robust solution.

Encapsulation seals the crawl space, creating a barrier that prevents moisture from reaching wooden structures.

Installing a vapor barrier is a key part of this process, as it blocks ground moisture. A sump pump can effectively manage water accumulation, ensuring that any water entering the space is quickly removed.

Using a dehumidifier helps to control humidity levels, further protecting wood from rot.

While regular maintenance and proper ventilation are also important, encapsulation offers the most comprehensive protection against wood rot.

Concerned About Wood Rot Problems? Contact Foundation Recovery Systems Today!

Foundation Recovery Systems employee driving to repair your home.

Wood rot issues can lead to serious structural damage and costly repairs. Our team at Foundation Recovery Systems specializes in identifying and addressing wood rot concerns.

Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and consultation. We’ll assess your property, recommend effective solutions to prevent and treat wood rot and help protect your home from future damage.

FAQs

Sump pump systems designed for crawl spaces come in multiple configurations to meet diverse waterproofing needs. Foundation Recovery Systems installs durable submersible sump pumps with varying pumping capacities to handle different flow requirements. We also offer battery backup units that ensure continued operation during power interruptions. Learn which system is best for your home during a free inspection from one of our experts.

Employing waterproofing solutions like interior drainage and sump pumps is the most effective strategy. Additional measures like vapor barriers, dehumidifiers, and insulation provide further protection. Contact us for a free crawl space inspection and repair estimate. 

While it might be tempting to tackle crawl space issues yourself, we advise against it due to potential risks and the temporary nature of DIY solutions. Professional services offer durable and safe solutions. Reach out to us for a free inspection and no-obligation estimate. 

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Leah Leitow

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with nearly ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.

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